Recipe: Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry syrup tastes amazing, is so easy to make and when you make it at home, you are making it fresh and as potent as you need. We all know the virtues of elderberry, so here is a recipe that you can make at home.

You will need:

• 2 cups dried organic elderberries
• 4 cups cold water (distilled, purified, or spring)
• 2-inch piece ginger root (grated)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 5 whole cloves
• 2 tsp. orange zest
• 1 cup raw, local honey (or organic maple syrup or agave for a vegan/infant-friendly recipe)

To Make:

Combine berries and herbs with cold water in pot and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and allow herbs to simmer 40 minutes.

Remove from heat and let steep 1 hour.

Strain berries and herbs using a funnel overlaid with doubled cheesecloth or undyed cotton muslin bag and squeeze out liquid (careful, the liquid will likely still be hot!).

Discard used herbs in compost.

Once the liquid has cooled to just above room temperature, add honey and stir to incorporate.

If using vodka or brandy, add here and stir until well combined.

Bottle in sterilized glass.

Tips:

Double the amount of sweetener to increase shelf life

Add 1 cup vodka or brandy (optional to increase shelf life)

Store in refrigerator to extend shelf life.